Pirates' organizational third base depth chart looks thin behind Ke'Bryan Hayes

Third base in Pittsburgh has been primarily held down by the same guy since the end of 2020, with Ke'Bryan Hayes coming up and earning a big contract extension. He has had his ups and downs in his career, typically related to a recurring back injury. Nonetheless, he is healthy again entering 2025, and leads a weak group throughout the organization. Let's take a look at what third base looks like throughout the Pirates' organization.

Here is how third base looks top to bottom inside the Pirates' organization behind Ke'Bryan Hayes

Pittsburgh: Ke'Bryan Hayes and Jared Triolo

Hayes is obviously the starter when healthy, and he has made plenty of comments this spring regarding the state of his back. He enters 2025 looking to return to his 2023 self, where he put together a 100 wRC+ with 15 home runs and a .762 OPS. It would be a problem if Hayes puts up similar numbers to his 2024 season, which included a 59 wRC+ and an OPS of .573.

Jared Triolo will serve as the backup, as he is coming off of a Gold Glove season as a utility option. He will be the main guy off the bench for Pittsburgh, primarily coming at third, then slotting in everywhere else across the infield after that. His bat is not great, but not the worst; he posted a wRC+ of 72 with nine home runs and a .611 OPS last season.

Indianapolis: Malcom Nuñez

The main guy on the hot corner for Indianapolis will be Malcom Nuñez, the prospect that accompanied Johan Oviedo in the Jose Quintana trade. He has steadily declined in his time in the Pirates organization.

In 2024, Nuñez put up a 75 wRC+ with 11 home runs and an OPS of .675. He has lost his prospect status, but a hot streak in 2025 could get him a few at-bats in Pittsburgh.

Altoona: Jackson Glenn and Brenden Dixon

Jackson Glenn has not been the most exciting prospect in recent memory, and right now, he appears to be more of a plug in the roster with Altoona. Last season was not great, with a wRC+ of 53 with an OPS of .531 and a strikeout rate of 29.2%. Glenn struggled badly and, at 27, the future does not look great for him.

Brenden Dixon is another guy who may see a good amount of playing time in Altoona, and despite not being great at the plate, his future looks a little better than Glenn's at 24 years old. His 2024 season didn't provide much, though, as he produced a wRC+ of 78 with nine home runs and an OPS of .617.

Greensboro: Kalae Harrison and Maikol Escotto

Kalae Harrison will likely lead the way in Greensboro at the hot corner in 2025. Harrison looked great in his first showing in 2023 after being drafted in the 18th round, but struggled in 2024. In that season, he put together an OPS of .504 with a wRC+ of 54.

Maikol Escotto is the other guy holding it down for the Grasshoppers, and he is entering his fourth season with Greensboro. He is the only remaining player from the Jameson Taillon trade, but that is not a good thing. Last season, Escotto generated a wRC+ of 73 to pair with an OPS of .612 while hitting eight home runs.

Bradenton: Eddie Rynders and Jesus Castillo

Eddie Rynders was taken in the fourth round of last years' draft, and has yet to appear in a professional game. At 19 years old, there is a good chance he starts the year with Bradenton in his first year in baseball.

Lastly is Jesus Castillo, who has had some success in his short minor-league career. At 21 years old, Castillo brings speed and solid plate discipline to the table, and he showed that in Bradenton last year. In 2023, Castillo stole 39 bases and posted a wRC+ of 98. Both marks were much lower in 2024, but in a smaller sample size.